President Jacob Zuma extends Condolences on the Passing Away of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar’Adua (GCFR)

The President of Republic of South Africa, Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma has today, the 6th of May 2010, joined the international community in extending the heartfelt condolences of the government and the people of the Republic of South Africa to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, and the government and the people of Nigeria, following the untimely death of President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua last night.

In this regard, President Zuma said that " I had learnt with shock and sadness of the news of the passing away of my brother, President Yar'adua and on behalf of the Government and people of South Africa, wish to extend my deepest sympathies and condolences to the family and relatives of President Yar'Adua, the government and the people of this great African nation, Nigeria, as well as the broader ECOWAS community".

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Nigerian people as you grieve the loss of an outstanding son of the soil."Be assured, my dear brother that your loss is felt beyond your borders and may you find comfort and solace in the knowledge that the South Africa is with you during this difficult time”.

Indeed I agree with my brother, President Goodluck Jonathan, that “Nigeria has lost the jewel on its crown” said President Zuma.

South Africa and Nigeria enjoy cordial and fraternal bilateral relations forged throughout the years of the struggle for Africa’s decolonization. But these fraternal relations were significantly further consolidated during Africa’s collective efforts of modernising the continent through NEPAD and other AU programmes.

During his Presidency, President Yar’Adua played a seminal role in the reconstruction and development of Nigeria with the sole purpose of reclaiming Nigeria’s role in the community of nations.  It is South Africa’s wish that the leadership of Nigeria will do everything in its powers to ensure that this beautiful African country forge ahead with its vision of making Africa and the world a better place to leave in.

For more information, contact Chief Director, Public Diplomacy, Saul Molobi on + 27 82 940 1647 or Director: Media Liaison Nomfanelo Kota on 082 459 3787.

Issued by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation
Oliver Tambo Building
406 Soutpansberg Road
Rietondale

6 May 2010